The long-dormant sequel to one of the most iconic post-apocalyptic films of the 2000s is finally moving forward, and it’s bringing back the star who defined the genre for a generation. I Am Legend 2 is officially in development, with Will Smith reprising his role as Dr. Robert Neville and Michael B. Jordan joining as a key co-star. The project, which has been quietly simmering since its first announcement in 2022, is shaping up as a bold continuation that ignores the theatrical ending of the 2007 original in favor of the alternate cut that fans have long preferred.
In the 2007 film directed by Francis Lawrence, Smith played Robert Neville, a U.S. Army virologist who appears to be the last human survivor in a virus-ravaged New York City. The virus, originally meant to cure cancer, instead turned most of humanity into aggressive, nocturnal mutants. Neville spends his days searching for a cure while defending himself against the creatures that emerge at night. The theatrical ending saw Neville sacrifice himself in a heroic act to save a woman and child he had rescued, believing he had found a cure. However, the alternate ending released on DVD showed Neville surviving, realizing the mutants had their own form of society and emotions, and choosing to live rather than die.
I Am Legend 2 will follow this alternate ending. Neville survives the events of the first film, setting the stage for a new chapter years later. Smith has confirmed that the sequel picks up in a world where humanity is slowly rebuilding, but the threats — both human and mutant — remain as deadly as ever. The story will explore how Neville, once isolated and alone, navigates a landscape where survivors have begun forming communities and new power structures have emerged from the ashes.
Michael B. Jordan’s role has been the subject of intense speculation since the sequel was first announced. Early rumors suggested he might play Neville’s son, but Smith has since clarified that is not the case. Jordan’s character is reportedly the leader of a survivor settlement in Connecticut — a group that has established its own rules, defenses, and way of life in the post-apocalyptic world. This sets up an intriguing dynamic: Neville, the lone wolf who once believed he was the last man on Earth, now encountering organized human society for the first time in years. Whether Jordan’s character becomes an ally, rival, or something more complicated remains to be seen, but the setup promises tension, conflict, and potential cooperation between two very different survivors.
The script is still in active development, with Akiva Goldsman (who wrote the original film) returning to pen the sequel. Goldsman has been instrumental in shifting the direction from a prequel idea to a continuation built on the alternate ending. Smith has mentioned having productive discussions with Jordan about the project, describing it as “in the works” and still being refined. There is no official release date, director, or trailer yet, but the involvement of both stars — and the decision to follow the fan-favored ending — has already generated significant excitement.
The original I Am Legend was a massive hit upon its release in December 2007, grossing over $585 million worldwide against a $150 million budget. It became one of the highest-grossing films of the year and left a lasting cultural impact, thanks in large part to Smith’s compelling portrayal of isolation, grief, and determination. The film’s mix of horror, sci-fi, and emotional drama resonated deeply, even as some fans debated its divergence from Richard Matheson’s 1954 novel. The alternate ending, which aligned more closely with the book’s themes of misunderstanding and coexistence, has always been seen as the superior version by many viewers.
Bringing Neville back after nearly two decades is a risky but potentially rewarding move. Smith has remained one of Hollywood’s biggest global stars, and his return to the role carries emotional weight for fans who grew up watching him battle the infected. Jordan, meanwhile, brings his own star power and proven ability to anchor major franchises. Their pairing promises a generational handoff of sorts — two actors at different stages of their careers sharing the screen in a story about survival, legacy, and rebuilding.
The sequel’s development has been slow but steady. First announced in 2022, it has survived changes in Hollywood priorities, strikes, and the usual delays that plague big-budget projects. Smith and Jordan are both attached as producers, giving them significant creative input. The decision to follow the alternate ending was reportedly inspired by Goldsman’s suggestion to explore what happens after Neville survives and discovers he is not alone.
While details remain scarce — no director has been confirmed, and filming has not yet started — the core elements are in place. Neville lives. Jordan leads a settlement. The world is still broken, but humanity is clawing its way back. The potential for new mutants, rival factions, and moral dilemmas is wide open.
For now, fans can only speculate and wait. The script is being polished, meetings are ongoing, and the hype is building. When I Am Legend 2 finally arrives, it will not be a simple rehash — it will be a new chapter built on the ending that many felt the original deserved.
The last man on Earth is no longer alone. And the legend is far from over.
